How are school board members chosen?

Maryland's governor appoints the members of the seven-person Wicomico County Board of Education after receiving a recommendation from either the Wicomico County Democratic Central Committee, the Republican Central Committee, or both. The central committees solicit applications when a Board seat is open for appointment, conduct interviews, and recommend candidates to the governor. The Democratic Central Committee advertised for resumes from those interested in the Board seat eligible for appointment in summer 2008, and scheduled interviews beginning in late April.

Board members are appointed to five-year terms and may seek reappointment to a second five-year term. Board of Education members, with the year in which their term expires, are: Brian K. Kilgore (2008), Susan A. Hitch (2009), Mark S. Thompson (2010), Robin H. Holloway and L. Michelle Wright (2011), and Dr. Tyrone A. Chase and Ronald O. Willey (2012). All Board members except Holloway are serving their first term.

The Board of Education sets policies and approves the budget for the school system. Robin H. Holloway serves as president and Mark S. Thompson serves as vice president until July; the Board's annual reorganization occurs at the July Board meeting. The Board meets monthly in open, public meetings to make policy decisions for the school system and hear reports from Student Government Association presidents from the four high schools. Public work sessions are held almost weekly, usually on Tuesday mornings to provide the opportunity for Board members to explore an issue or program at length.